File - New York Knicks new team president Phil Jackson, center, poses for photos with team owner James Dolan, left, and general manager Steve Mills, during a news conference where he was introduced, at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, March 18, 2014.
AP Photo — Richard Drew, File

For once, Laker fans abstained from yelling, “We want Phil,” the constant plea screamed the last two seasons for Phil Jackson to restore championship prosperity back to the struggling franchise.

Perhaps that’s because Jackson wasn’t seen — although he was apparently present in an undisclosed location — at the Lakers’ game Tuesday against the New York Knicks at Staples Center in what marked the first time the two teams played each other since Jackson became president of the Knicks’ front office after having an unofficial consulting role last season.

Lakers president Jeanie Buss attended the game, but Jackson was not by her side, perhaps in accordance with avoiding any perceived conflict of interest. Jackson attended the Knicks’ morning shootaround, however, and Buss confirmed he was at the game.

“It was great,” Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. “He came down to watch it. He didn’t say a whole lot. But it was good seeing him in there.”

“I’ve seen him here and there, but not a sitdown,” said Anthony, who could opt out of his contract this offseason to become a free agent. “I’m pretty sure we’ll get together very soon.”

Jackson lacks front-office experience, but Knicks owner James Dolan signed him to a reported five-year contract worth $60 million for obvious reasons. Jackson has plenty of basketball expertise and cache stemmed from 13 NBA championships, including 11 as a head coach. Jackson won the other two NBA titles when he played for the Knicks from 1967-78.

Advertisement

“It was a clean playing field,” Anthony said. “Mr. Dolan did what he did to do to bring him here. I’m sure those guys (the Lakers) had the same opportunity.”

The Lakers passed over Jackson both to replace coach Mike Brown last season and offer him a front-office position despite winning five of his 11 NBA championships here as a head coach. The late Lakers owner Jerry Buss preferred both Mike D’Antoni to coach and for his son, Jim, to oversee basketball operations. That put D’Antoni in an awkward position.

“What we have to do is wins and losses,” D’Antoni said. “You don’t think about the other stuff. That’s fodder for you guys, but it doesn’t affect what we do.”

Jackson has suggested he would like to reinstate the triangle offense and may hire a coach that matches that vision.

“Until I’m able to sit down with Phil and see the direction he wants to go,” Woodson said, “all I can do is continue to coach our team and do the best job I can.”

Also ...

Lakers center Pau Gasol will see an ear, nose and throat specialist this morning to see if he has healed from vertigo. Should he receive medical clearance, he will fly for the Lakers’ two-game trip against Milwaukee (Thursday) and Minnesota (Friday).

Lakers guard Steve Nash and Jordan Farmar will travel with the team despite nursing respective back and right groin injuries. Nash could play on the trip, while Farmar is out for at least another week.

Former Lakers and Knicks forward Metta World Peace attended the game, and spent plenty of time engaging with former teammates, reporters and fans.